Design & Projects Director

About ParlaAn established Turkish furniture designer & manufacturer. Parla is an İstanbul-based family business, with a crafts heritage spanning 4 generations.The history of Parla began in 1910 with the great-grandfather of the current owners crafting furniture for the Ottoman Empire. Over time, and generations, we developed the Parla brand, which is a modern operation with a showroom and 15,000 sqm factory in Istanbul, plus presence in London, New York, Miami, and Dubai.Parla specializes in manufacturing sophisticated, high-quality loose and fixed furniture + joinery for commercial interiors.Alongside a very comprehensive bespoke FF&E service, Parla also has its own portfolio of products designed by both in-house and internationally renowned designers, some of which are award-winning. Parla Collection is now achieving consistent growth in the UK, Europe, the USA, and the GCC with a great network of dealers, distributors, and collaborators.With an in-house team of 15 young and dynamic designers, a factory of highly skilled craftsmen in areas such as wood, metal, glass, and upholstery, over 200 employees are working tirelessly to continue the legacy.With our young and dynamic team, we strive to create an atmosphere of happy and content employees who grow day by day. At the same time, we also enable them to freely share their ideas, display their creativity, and provide an excellent work experience. Our high retention levels prove that we stand behind what we believe in.Design & Projects DirectorFull-time | Based in Arnavutköy/İstanbul | OfficeThe Role:We are seeking a Design & Project Director who will lead our design and project teams with a pioneering and hands-on leadership approach, coordinating processes end-to-end and advancing Parla’s vision, while ensuring customer satisfaction through seamless project management processes.This role involves bridging the relationship between sales & manufacturing, as well as between customers, to ensure the smooth and timely completion of all projects. Having worked in matrix organisations, demonstrated leadership and communication skills are essential for success.Plays a key role in shaping both the creative and operational direction of our projects, making sure that every result reflects Parla’s high standards of craftsmanship.Qualifications we look for in our Project & Design Director:• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or related fields• Minimum 15 years of experience in design and project leadership, preferably within the furniture, interior design, or architecture industries, or construction• Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary design and project teams• Advanced command of written and spoken English• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Turkish• Strategic, detail-oriented, and creative mindset with exceptional planning and coordination skills• Strong organisation, planning, and coordination skills• Strong understanding of global trends, materials, and production methods• Willingness and ability to travel when requiredKey Responsibilities:• Lead and motivate design and project teams to achieve high-quality, on-brand results• Manage design and project processes from start to finish• Translate Parla’s strategic vision into practical design and project plans• Collaborate with production, planning, quality control, marketing, and sales teams to ensure alignment and operational efficiency• Ensure customer satisfaction through excellence in project management processes and communication skills throughout the process• Protect and promote Parla’s aesthetic identity in all projects• Identify trends, materials, and methods that boost innovation and competitiveness• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources across multiple simultaneous projectsWhat We Offer:• A collaborative environment where design, craftsmanship, and innovation come together• Direct impact on Parla’s strategic evolution• Leading multiple award-winning global projects across the world